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Mike White's high school sports chat: 1.9.18
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Mike White
10:59
We're back. After a few Tuesdays off, we'll be here every Tuesday at 11 a.m. The heart of basketball season now. First half of section play finishes over the next week. Three games tonight matching 1 vs. 2 teams. I'll be at Moon vs. Mars. I just turned the "open" sign on in the store. So, let's go.
Howdy Doody
11:00
Canon-McMillan is for real!  Some athletes on that team.  Look out 6A.
Mike White
11:01
Howdy Doody, you're obviously big on the Big Macs. They are 8-1. They are in the hunt for Section 3 title. But they lost to Mt. Lebanon. Lebo still the team to beat in that section.
Jerry
11:01
Who do you think has the edge tonight in the Big 2A game between Jeannette and Serra?
Mike White
11:03
Well Jerry, should be a pretty good game. Serra has a pretty big inside player in 6-8 Jimmy Moon. Not many WPIAL 2A or 1A teams have that. Serra's best start in five years. But I'm going Jeannette right now. Serra much improved but I'm taking a wait-and-see approach on them yet.
Wpialfan
11:03
Do you think Central Catholics Basketball teams has a chance to win their section?
Mike White
11:04
Well right now they are the only team that is undefeated in section play in Section 1. So yeah, I would think they have a chance to win that section.
Bob from Pine
11:04
The North Allegheny Girls are looking very special this year.  They are beating some of the best teams I have seen come to Western PA.  Gilmore Academy (Ohio State Champion) for one was loaded with top D1 players and they beat them by 8, I think.  Do you have any feelings about what you have seen or heard about them.
Mike White
11:05
Far and away best team in 6A. Martindale, Morningstar and others make that team good. North Allegheny girls hoops expert Paul Zeise also tells me that freshman Groetsch is really good, one of the best players around already. If they don't win WPIAL, it will be shocking.
Jinx
11:05
Have you heard anything about Brandon Stone, who is attending a prep school in North Carolina.  Has he indicated where he may be going to college?  I know he is going to prep one more year possibly at the prep level.
Mike White
11:07
Doing well. Has a number of offers from major colleges. I know a few times hasn't been real happy at that school in North Carolina, but is still there. As far as a favorite, I have not seen where he has indicated such. Tre Mitchell, left Elizabeth Forward and is now at Woodstock Prep in Conn., also has a number of big time offers now also. A junior.
btown hoops
11:08
How about Burgettstown Hoops? Big game tonight against Washington. Could determine section title
Mike White
11:09
It's at Washington. Both teams undefeated in section. Section not real strong. Washington doesn't have star power like it did last year with Popeck. But they have the venerable Ron Faust as coach, which makes them a team to watch no matter the year. I don't think either team is great, but definitely the two best in that section. I'll go Washington in that old gym that I love.
The Truth
11:09
Mike, how do you see 3A playing out in boys hoops?
Mike White
11:11
Lincoln Park at Aliquippa tonight. 1 vs. 2. We will know a little more about both after tonight but I think it will be close. Watch Seton-LaSalle. Shady Side is intriguing. And then there's Washington and Burrell. But I'd put Lincoln Park, Aliquippa, Seton as top three teams.
Stack56
11:13
Mike who are your top 3A teams for boys in the area city League included?
Mike White
11:14
Westinghouse of the City League is 3A I believe. Will see them in few weeks. But from what I know and hear, Westinghouse can play with any WPIAL 3A team, and probably beat any of them. They beat New Castle this year. And with 6-10 player, they are definitely one to watch. The House beat pretty good Carrick team last night. House and Allderdice coming up.
BigChief
11:15
Which Pgh City team has best shot at long run in PIAA:
Mike White
11:16
I don't think any is a threat to win a state title. As I just mentioned, Westinghouse could make some noise in PIAA Class 3A. Allderdice I think can play with any WPIAL 6A team. Not saying they will beat any WPIAL team, but they can play with them. Lost to No. 1 Penn Hills I believe by 10.
11:19
I have seen a number of the top 6A teams in WPIAL this year. Haven't seen Penn Hills yet. Probably will see Penn Hills and Woodland Hills Friday. I'll say this: There is a lot of parity in 6A. Number of pretty decent teams. But there is no strong team, no powerhouse. No team like Pine-Richland last year or Allderdice from the City the year before. It really is something the lack of size and big men in 6A and 5A.
11:20
Saw Mt. Lebanon for first time other night. They are an interesting team. Small and coach Joe David is doing good things with them, playing a style that I never remember seeing a David-coached team play before. They run and trap everywhere, even on missed shots and missed free throws. Get ball up court quickly and go. A style I see more and more teams going to. And hey, Lebo has lost only once to an out-of-state team.
BigChief
11:21
Allderidice 6A, Carrick 5A, Obama 4A, Westinghouse 3A which team has best shot long PIAA run
Mike White
11:22
Just touched on this.  This is one of best Carrick teams in a while. They can play with lot of 5A teams. I'll say Westinghouse and Allderdice.
Brad W.
11:22
2 Things: any set date when WPIAL will release football divisions, etc.? Also, looking at 3A Section 1,  There seems to be a little more depth like Ellwood City and even New Brighton. Do you feel like there may be "play-in game" at all?
Mike White
11:24
Football conferences won't be released until February. WPIAL has to wait for release of PIAA brackets. Then they will make their conferences and decide playoff format. Although WPIAL already has good idea of conference breakdowns. Just waiting to decide on playoff format. And that will depend on PIAA brackets.
11:25
As for 3A Section 1, yes New Brighton and Ellwood seem improved. But still not at Aliquippa or Lincoln Park level. There are four sections in 3A. So if there are ties for fourth, then yes, there will be play-in games. If there are no ties, then 16 teams will make it and there will be no play-in games. Got it?
Stack56
11:25
Mike yes Westinghouse is the real deal. I think they are the best local 3a team. I watch a lot of HS bball. They have several quick guards to go along with Ellis.
Mike White
11:26
Coach has done great job since coming over from Wilkinsburg.
Jinx
11:26
How good is Amani Johnson from East Allegheny?   I see she will attend Kennesaw  State next year.
Mike White
11:27
Well, she scores a ton. Led WPIAL in scoring last year. Will go over 2,000 points soon. She's smallish and doesn't exactly face a ton of competition, but dang. Give her credit. She eats up competition at that level. And she had a few D-1 offers. She played AAU and was seen. Wasn't like Kennesaw was only one to offer. Will play for Agnus Berenato, former Pitt coach. Kennesaw is a good level for her.
11:30
Defending WPIAL champ. PIAA finalist. Still trying to figure out why they got rid of Tim Joyce as coach. Makes no sense. Yes, Kevin Price daughter one of their best players. Former P-G athlete of the year. Former Duquesne U. player.
BigChief
11:30
Bishop Canevin Girls impressive wins in Florida. Have the Price/Allen family (cousins/sisters).
Mike White
11:31
Defending WPIAL champ. PIAA finalist. Still trying to figure out why they got rid of Tim Joyce as coach. Makes no sense. Yes, Kevin Price daughter one of their best players. Former P-G athlete of the year. Former Duquesne U. player.
Marshall
11:33
What is going on with the North Allegheny boy's.  That team looks good one week and then falls apart.  Is it coaching or talent?
Mike White
11:39
So when a team doesn't do well, you go right to the coaching?? Lost some close games. But they are winless in section. The blowout loss at home to Shaler  was a real head-scratcher. I will say this. Maybe there isn't as much talent there as some may think. But they almost beat Butler Friday, without Curtis Aiken. They are not that far away. It's just funny with North Allegheny. When Dave DeGregorio was there, team won 20 games a number of years, won section titles, made it to the WPIAL final once, state semifinals once. Program was excellent. But to some parents, he wasn't good enough. Wanted him out, which was laughable. So Dave leaves. Keith Noftz comes in. Impressive resume. Now it's the coaching again???
Tom
11:39
Big game at Ambridge tonight!!  Who you got?
Mike White
11:43
Very big game - New Castle at Ambridge. This is not a great New Castle team. Ralph Blundo makes them highly competitive. I still don't know how good Ambridge is, but Aaron Hilzendeger is one of the most underrated players around. Good size (6-5) and can shoot. He will be key. Does the venerable Mark Jula have a team that can contend for a WPIAL???
Mike
11:43
The TJ girls team took down a very good Oakland Catholic team last night winning by 13. Who do you think is the favorite in a very tough 5A?
Mike White
11:43
Char Valley and Oakland.
ScottieDog
11:43
Hey Mike, in 1A hoops, who do you see as an early favorite? Obviously my name gives away why I am asking, but is Union a serious threat in this class?
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